Rigid Bracket Assembly for Mounting a Brake Assembly and Brake Actuator

ABSTRACT

An improved bracket assembly for receiving a brake assembly and a brake actuator is provided. The bracket assembly includes a tube configured to receive a camshaft of the brake assembly. A brake spider mounting flange is disposed proximate a first end of the tube, defines an aperture configured to allow the tube to extend therethrough, and is configured to receive a brake spider of the brake assembly. An actuator mounting arm is disposed proximate a second end of the tube, is configured for coupling to the brake actuator, and has inboard and outboard members. Each of the inboard and outboard members has a body having a first end affixed to the tube and an actuator mounting flange extending from a second end of the body. The actuator mounting flanges define aligned bores configured to receive a fastener extending from the brake actuator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to vehicle brakes. In particular, the inventionrelates to a bracket assembly for mounting a brake assembly and a brakeactuator that is better able to withstand mechanical stress within thebracket assembly as compared to conventional bracket assemblies yet iseasier to manufacture than conventional bracket assemblies.

b. Background Art

In a conventional drum brake, a brake drum rotates with a wheel orwheels proximate to one end of an axle. The drum defines a radiallyinner braking surface. A brake spider is disposed about the axle and apair of brake shoes are pivotally mounted at one end to the brakespider. The opposite end of each brake shoe is engaged by an actuatingmember such as a cam to move the brake shoes between positions ofengagement and disengagement with the braking surface of the brake drum.The cam is driven by a brake actuator acting on one end of a camshaftsupporting the cam.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, in one conventional drum brake, a bracketassembly 10 supports various components of a brake assembly 12 and abrake actuator 14 and positions them relative to one another. Thebracket assembly 10 includes a tube 16 through which the camshaft 18extends and a mounting arm 20 and mounting flange 22 welded to eitherend of the tube 16 and configured for coupling to the brake actuator 14and a brake spider 24, respectively. A support 26 is often installedbetween the vehicle axle 28 and the tube 16 and a gusset 30 is ofteninstalled between the tube 16 and arm 20 in order to reduce stress onwelds within assembly 10 and to reinforce arm 20.

The above-described design for the bracket assembly 10 has severaldrawbacks. The mounting arm 20 supporting the brake actuator 14 must berelatively thick to withstand the loads generated by actuation andvibration of the brake actuator 14. The thickness of the arm 20 requiresheavy tooling in order to manufacture the arm 20 and prevents formationof intricate features on the arm 20. The gusset 30 used to reinforce thearm 20 provides support to one only end of the arm 20 and requires twoadditional welds—one weld between one end of the gusset 30 and the tube16 and another weld between the opposite end of the gusset 30 and thearm 20. Further, even with the addition of the gusset 30, bending andtorsional loads cause significant mechanical stress in the welds andsignificant structural deflection that results in increased airconsumption during braking.

The inventor herein has recognized a need for a bracket assembly formounting a brake assembly and a brake actuator that will minimize and/oreliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to vehicle brakes. In particular, the inventionrelates to a bracket assembly for mounting a brake assembly and a brakeactuator that is better able to withstand mechanical stress within thebracket assembly as compared to conventional bracket assemblies yet iseasier to manufacture than conventional bracket assemblies.

A bracket assembly for receiving a brake assembly and a brake actuatorin accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tubeconfigured to receive a camshaft of the brake assembly. The bracketassembly further includes a brake spider mounting flange disposedproximate a first end of the tube. The brake spider mounting flange isconfigured to receive a brake spider of the brake assembly and definesan aperture configured to allow the tube to extend therethrough. Thebracket assembly further includes an actuator mounting arm disposedproximate a second end of the tube. The actuator mounting arm isconfigured for coupling to the brake actuator and has inboard andoutboard members. Each of the inboard and outboard members has a bodyhaving a first end affixed to the tube and an actuator mounting flangeextending from a second end of the body and defining at least one boreconfigured to receive a fastener extending from the brake actuator. Thebore of the actuator mounting flange of the inboard member is alignedwith the bore of the actuator mounting flange of the outboard member.

A brake and bracket assembly in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention includes a brake assembly, comprising a brake spider, firstand second brake shoes having first ends coupled to the brake spider anda camshaft extending through the brake spider and having a cam at afirst end configured to engage second ends of the first and second brakeshoes. Rotation of the cam causes the first and second brake shoes tomove between positions of engagement and disengagement with a brakingsurface. The brake and bracket assembly further includes a bracketassembly for receiving the brake assembly and a brake actuator. Thebracket assembly includes a tube configured to receive a camshaft of thebrake assembly and a brake spider mounting flange disposed proximate afirst end of the tube. The brake spider mounting flange is configured toreceive a brake spider of the brake assembly and defines an apertureconfigured to allow the tube to extend therethrough. The bracketassembly further includes an actuator mounting arm disposed proximate asecond end of the tube. The actuator mounting arm is configured forcoupling to the brake actuator and has inboard and outboard members.Each of the inboard and outboard members has a body having a first endaffixed to the tube and an actuator mounting flange extending from asecond end of the body and defining at least one bore configured toreceive a fastener extending from the brake actuator. The bore of theactuator mounting flange of the inboard member is aligned with the boreof the actuator mounting flange of the outboard member.

A method for forming a bracket assembly for receiving a brake assemblyand a brake actuator in accordance with one embodiment of the inventionincludes the step of inserting a tube configured to receive a camshaftof the brake assembly through an aperture in a brake spider mountingflange, the brake spider mounting flange configured to receive a brakespider of the brake assembly. The method further includes the step offixing an inboard member of an actuator mounting arm configured forcoupling to the brake actuator to the tube proximate a first end of thetube. The inboard member has a body having a first end configured forattachment to the tube and an actuator mounting flange extending from asecond end of the body, the actuator mounting flange defining at leastone bore configured to receive a fastener extending from the brakeactuator. The method further includes the step of fixing an outboardmember of the actuator mounting arm to the tube proximate the first endof the tube. The outboard member has a body having a first endconfigured for attachment to the tube and an actuator mounting flangeextending from a second end of the body of the outboard member, theactuator mounting flange of the outboard member defining at least onebore configured to receive the fastener and aligned with the at leastone bore of the actuator mounting flange of the inboard member followingfixing of the inboard and outboard members to the tube.

A bracket assembly for mounting a brake assembly and a brake actuator inaccordance with the invention represents an improvement as compared toconventional bracket assemblies. In particular, the configuration of theactuator mounting arm allows the arm to better withstand mechanicalstress from the actuator and structural deflection by stiffening boththe end of the arm attached to the camshaft tube and the end of the armconfigured to receive the brake actuator. As a result, deflection of thearm is reduced and less air is consumed during brake actuation. Theconfiguration of the actuator mounting arm also allows easiermanufacture of the bracket assembly. Because the mounting arm is dividedinto inboard and outboard members, the cost of heavy tooling requiredfor the thick conventional bracket may be avoided. Further, the membersmay be formed with more intricate features for improved stiffness of thearm. The configuration also allows the gusset found in conventionalbracket assemblies to be eliminated and the overall number of weldsreduced.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading thefollowing description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 are perspective views of a prior art bracket assembly formounting a brake assembly and a brake actuator.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a brake assembly, a brake actuator and abracket assembly for mounting the brake assembly and brake actuator inaccordance with one embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a bracket assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an top view of the bracket assembly of FIGS. 4-5.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the bracket assembly of FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a bracketassembly for mounting a brake assembly and a brake actuator inaccordance with one embodiment of the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are usedto identify identical components in the various views, FIG. 3illustrates a brake 32, a brake actuating means 34 and a bracketassembly 36 for mounting the brake 32 and brake actuating means 34 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Brake 32 is provided to halt rotation of one or more vehicle wheels.Brake 32 is particularly adapted for use in heavy vehicles. It should beunderstood, however, that brake 32 may be used on a wide variety ofvehicles and in non-vehicular applications. Brake 32 is configured toact against an annular brake drum (not shown) that rotates with thevehicle wheel or wheels at one end of an axle (not shown). Brake 32 mayinclude a brake spider 38, an anchor pin 40, brake shoes 42, 44, returnand retaining springs 46, 48, and a camshaft 50.

Spider 38 is provided to mount the various components of brake 32.Spider 38 defines a central aperture 52 through which the vehicle axlemay extend. Spider 38 may further define bores 54, 56, on either side ofaperture 52 configured to receive anchor pin 40 and camshaft 50.

Anchor pin 40 is provided to pivotally mount brake shoes 42, 44 to brakespider 38. Anchor pin 40 may comprise a round pin and may be receivedwithin bore 54 of spider 38. Although only one anchor pin 40 is shown inthe illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that brakes shoes42, 44 may be pivotally mounted to two separate anchor pins 40.

Brake shoes 42, 44 are provided for selective engagement with a brakingsurface of a drum (not shown) in order to apply a braking torque to thedrum and one or more vehicle wheels. Each brake shoe 42, 44 may includea pair of spaced webs 58, 60, a brake table 62, and one or more brakelinings 64. Webs 58, 60 support brake table 62 and may extend generallyparallel to one another. Webs 58, 60 may be made from metals and metalalloys such as steel. Webs 58, 60 are arcuate in shape and extendbetween opposite ends of brake shoes 42, 44. Webs 58, 60 may be securedto brake table 62 using welds or other conventional fastening means.Each web 58, 60 may define semicircular recesses at either endconfigured to receive pin 40 and a corresponding one of cam followers66, 68. Webs 58, 60 may also provide a connection point for returnspring 46 and retaining springs 48. Brake table 62 is provided tosupport brake linings 64. Table 62 may be made from conventional metalsand metal alloys including steel and may be arcuate in shape. Brakelinings 64 are provided for frictional engagement with the brakingsurface of the drum. Linings 64 may be made from conventional frictionmaterials. Brake linings 64 may be secured to brake table 62 using aplurality of rivets or other conventional fasteners.

Return spring 46 is provided to bias brake shoes 42, 44 to a position ofdisengagement from the braking surface. Retainer springs 48 are providedto retain brake shoes 42, 44—and particularly webs 58, 60—on anchor pin40. Springs 46, 48 are conventional in the art. The ends of springs 46,48 extend through corresponding apertures in webs 58, 60 of brake shoes42, 44.

Camshaft 50 is provided to cause movement of brake shoes 42, 44 betweenpositions of engagement with and disengagement from the braking surfaceof the drum. In the illustrated embodiment, camshaft 50 includes aconventional doubled lobed S-cam actuator. Cam followers 66, 68 followthe surface of the cam as it rotates thereby causing shoes 42, 44 topivot about an axis defined by anchor pin 40. The opposite end ofcamshaft 50 is configured for coupling to brake actuating means 34.

Brake actuating means 34 is provided to cause rotation of camshaft 50 inorder to apply or release brake 32. Actuating means 34 is conventionalin the art and may include a brake actuator 70 having a pushrod 72extending from a fluid chamber. Pushrod 72 is configured to engage aconventional slack adjuster 74 coupled to one end of camshaft 50. Fluidflow within the chamber of actuator 70 is controlled to cause linearmovement of pushrod 72 which is translated into rotational movement ofcamshaft 50 by slack adjuster 74 to apply and release brake 32.

Bracket assembly 36 is provided to mount brake 32 and brake actuator 70and position brake 32 and actuator 70 relative to one another. Assembly36 includes a camshaft tube 76, a brake spider mounting flange 78 and anactuator mounting arm 80.

Tube 76 houses camshaft 50 and protects camshaft 50 from externalobjects and elements. Tube 76 is cylindrical in shape and is configuredto receive bushings 82 in each longitudinal end that are disposed aboutcamshaft 50 and permit rotation of camshaft 50 relative to tube 76. Tube76 is also configured to receive grease seals 84 in each longitudinalend to prevent loss of lubricating grease from within tube 76.

Brake spider mounting flange 78 is provided to receive brake spider 38.Flange 78 may comprise a unitary structure formed from a metal blankthrough a drawing process or by casting, forging or three-dimensionalprinting. In the illustrated embodiment, flange 78 is substantiallytrapezoidal in shape. It should be understood, however, that theconfiguration of flange 78 may vary depending on the configuration ofspider 38. Flange 78 and spider 38 may be attached using variousfasteners including bolts, rivets and welds. Flange 78 defines a centralaperture that may be centered on the axis of rotation of camshaft 50.The aperture is configured to receive an outboard end of tube 76 and toallow tube 76 and camshaft 50 to extend therethrough. Furtherinformation regarding one potential embodiment of flange 78 is describedin pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/327,179, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Actuator mounting arm 80 is provided for mounting brake actuator 70. Arm80 is disposed proximate an inboard end of tube 76 and is configured forcoupling to actuator 70. Referring to FIGS. 4-7, arm 80 includes inboardand outboard members 86, 88. The total thickness of members 86, 88 maybe less than the thickness of a conventional mounting bracket 20. As aresult, arm 80 may use the same or less material as the conventionalbracket 20 shown in FIGS. 1-2.

Inboard member 86 includes a body 90 and a mounting flange 92. Referringto FIG. 6, body 90 is generally triangular in cross-section when viewedin the direction of a longitudinal axis 94 of tube 76. It should beunderstood, however, that the shape of body 90 may vary. Referring toFIG. 5, body 90 defines inboard and outboard surfaces 96, 98 that aredisposed in planes 100, 102 that may be perpendicular to axis 94 of tube76. Gussets 104 may be formed in, or added to, member 86 and extendbetween inboard surface 96 of body 90 and flange 92 (at an elbow formedwhere body 90 and flange 92 meet) to provide additional strength andridigity to member 86. Referring to FIGS. 4-5, stiffening flanges 106,108 may also extend from either side of body 90 in an outboard directionand towards member 88 of arm 80. One end 110 of body 90 is affixed totube 76. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 6, body 90 defines abore 112 configured to receive tube 76. A weld 114 may be made on aninboard side of body 90 and may be applied to an entire circumference oftube 76 and to a circumferential portion of surface 96 of body 90surrounding bore 112 to affix member 86 to tube 76. Referring again toFIGS. 4-5, flange 92 extends from an opposite end 116 of body 90 and mayextend from body 90 in an inboard direction generally parallel to axis94 of tube 76. Flange 92 defines one or more bores 118 (FIG. 5)configured to receive fasteners 120 (FIG. 4) extending from brakeactuator 70 and used to couple the fluid chamber of brake actuator 70 toarm 80. Flange 92 may further define a notch (not shown) through whichpushrod 72 of actuator 70 may extend to engage slack adjuster 74.

Outboard member 88 also includes a body 122 and a mounting flange 124.Referring to FIG. 7, body 122 is generally triangular in cross-sectionwhen viewed in the direction of a longitudinal axis 94 of tube 76. Itshould be understood, however, that the shape of body 122 may vary.Referring to FIG. 5, body 122 defines inboard and outboard surfaces 126,128 that are disposed in planes 130, 132 that form acute angles withlongitudinal axis 94 of tube 76. As a result, a distance between body 90of member 86 and body 122 of member 88 continuously decreases movingfrom the ends of bodies 90, 122 affixed to tube 76 to the opposite endsof bodies 90, 122 from which flanges 92, 124 extend. Because of therelative orientation of bodies 90, 122, a generally tetrahedralstructure is formed with tube 76 that is strong and rigid in bending andtorsion. Referring to FIGS. 4-5, stiffening flanges 134, 136 may extendfrom either side of body 122 in an inboard direction and towards member86 of arm 80. Flanges 134, 136 may overlap flanges 106, 108 (withflanges 134, 136 disposed between flanges 106, 108 in the illustratedembodiment) such that portions of the flanges 106, 108, 134, 136 aredisposed in a common plane extending perpendicular to axis 94 of tube76. Referring to FIG. 5, one end 138 of body 122 is affixed to tube 76.In particular, and with reference to FIG. 7, body 122 may define anarcuate recess 140 configured to receive tube 76. A weld 142 may be madeon an outboard side of body 122 and may be applied to a portion of thecircumference of tube 76 (less than the entire circumference of tube 76)and to a corresponding portion of surface 128 of body 124 surroundingrecess 140 to affix member 88 to tube 76. Referring again to FIG. 5,flange 124 extends from an opposite end 144 of body 122 and may extendfrom body 122 in a inboard direction generally parallel to axis 94 oftube 76. Flange 124 is adjacent to, and may contact, flange 92 ofinboard member 86. After being joined by fasteners 120, the contactingsurfaces of flanges 92, 124 provide frictional resistance to relativedisplacement of the flanges 92, 124 and members 86, 88 of arm 80 may notinclude any welds directly joining members 86, 88. Alternatively, weldsmay be used to couple and align members 86, 88 prior to or after weldingmembers 86, 86 to tube 76. Flange 124 overlays flange 92 such thatflange 92 is nearer to tube 76 than flange 124. Flange 124 defines oneor more bores 146 (FIG. 5) configured to receive fasteners 120 (FIG. 4)extending from brake actuator 70 and used to couple the fluid chamber ofbrake actuator 70 to arm 80. Bores 146 are aligned with bores 118 inflange 92 of member 86. Referring to FIG. 7, flange 124 may furtherdefine a notch 148 between bores 146 (and aligned with a correspondingnotch in flange 92) through which pushrod 72 of actuator 70 may extendto engage slack adjuster 74.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a method for forming a bracket assembly 36 formounting a brake assembly 32 and a brake actuator 70 will be described.The method may begin with the steps 150, 152 of inserting tube 76through an aperture in the brake spider mounting flange 78 and fixingflange 78 to the tube 76 proximate one end of the tube 76. As notedabove using flange 78 may be affixed to tube 76 using various fastenersincluding bolts, rivets and welds. The method may continue with the step154 of fixing inboard member 86 of actuator mounting arm 80 to tube 76proximate another end of tube 76. Step 154 may include the substeps 156,158 of inserting tube 76 through bore 112 in body 90 of member 86 andwelding end 114 of body 90 to an entire circumference of tube 76.Although steps 154 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as occurring after steps150, 152, it should be understood that step 154 could occur prior tosteps 150, 152. The method may continue with the step 160 of fixingoutboard member 88 to tube 76 proximate the end of tube 76 to whichmember 86 is affixed. Step 160 may include the substep 162 of aligningmember 88 relative to member 86 such that the bores 118, 146 in members86, 88, respectively, are aligned with one another. Step 158 may furtherinclude the substep 164 of welding end 138 of body 122 to a portion of acircumference of tube 76.

A bracket assembly 36 for mounting a brake 32 and a brake actuator 70 inaccordance with the present invention represents an improvement relativeto conventional bracket assemblies. The configuration of the actuatormounting arm 80, including for example the roughly tetrahedral structureformed by members 86, 88 with tube 76, allows the arm 80 to betterwithstand mechanical stress from the actuator 70 and structuraldeflection by stiffening both the end of the arm 80 attached to thecamshaft tube 76 and the end of the arm 80 configured to receive thebrake actuator 70. As a result, deflection of the arm 80 and is reducedand less air is consumed during brake actuation. The configuration ofthe actuator mounting arm 80 also allows easier manufacture of thebracket assembly 36. Because the mounting arm 80 is divided into inboardand outboard members 86, 88, the cost of heavy tooling required for therelatively thick conventional bracket may be avoided. Further, themembers 86, 88 may be formed with more intricate features for improvedstiffness of the arm 80. The configuration also allows the gusset foundin conventional bracket assemblies to be eliminated and the overallnumber of welds reduced. In particular, as compared to three welds usedto secure a conventional actuator mounting bracket to the camshaft tubeand the gusset to both the bracket and tube, the actuator mountingbracket 76 disclosed herein requires only two welds 114, 142. Becausethe gusset 30 used with a conventional bracket 20 is eliminated arm 80also does not increase the number of stampings required despite the useof multiple members 86, 86 to form arm 80.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to oneor more particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseof skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bracket assembly for receiving a brake assemblyand a brake actuator, comprising: a tube configured to receive acamshaft of the brake assembly; a brake spider mounting flange disposedproximate a first end of said tube, said brake spider mounting flangeconfigured to receive a brake spider of the brake assembly and definingan aperture configured to allow said tube to extend therethrough; and,an actuator mounting arm disposed proximate a second end of said tube,said actuator mounting arm configured for coupling to said brakeactuator and having inboard and outboard members, each of said inboardand outboard members having a body having a first end affixed to thetube; and an actuator mounting flange extending from a second end of thebody and defining at least one bore configured to receive a fastenerextending from said brake actuator wherein said bore of said actuatormounting flange of said inboard member is aligned with said bore of saidactuator mounting flange of said outboard member.
 2. The bracketassembly of claim 1 wherein a distance between said bodies of saidinboard and outboard members continuously decreases moving from saidfirst ends of said bodies to said second ends of said bodies.
 3. Thebracket assembly of claim 1 wherein an inboard side of said body of saidinboard member is disposed in a plane that is perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the tube and an inboard side of said body of saidoutboard member is disposed in a plane that forms an acute angle withthe axis.
 4. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein the inboard andoutboard members are not welded to one another.
 5. The bracket assemblyof claim 1 wherein said first end of said body of said inboard member iswelded to an entire circumference of said tube and said first end ofsaid body of said outboard member is welded to only a portion of saidcircumference of said tube.
 6. The bracket assembly of claim 1 whereinsaid inboard member has a stiffening flange extending in an outboarddirection and said outboard member has a stiffening flange extending inan inboard direction.
 7. The bracket assembly of claim 6 whereinportions of said stiffening flanges of said inboard member and saidoutboard member are disposed in a common plane extending perpendicularto a longitudinal axis of the tube.
 8. The bracket assembly of claim 1wherein said actuator mounting flange of said inboard member is nearerto said tube than said actuator mounting flange of said outboard member.9. A brake and bracket assembly, comprising: a brake assembly,comprising: a brake spider; first and second brake shoes having firstends coupled to said brake spider; and, a camshaft extending throughsaid brake spider and having a cam at a first end configured to engagesecond ends of said first and second brake shoes, rotation of said camcausing said first and second brake shoes to move between positions ofengagement and disengagement with a braking surface; and, a bracketassembly for receiving said brake assembly and a brake actuator,comprising: a tube configured to receive a camshaft of the brakeassembly; a brake spider mounting flange disposed proximate a first endof said tube, said brake spider mounting flange configured to receive abrake spider of the brake assembly and defining an aperture configuredto allow said tube to extend therethrough; and, an actuator mounting armdisposed proximate a second end of said tube, said actuator mounting armconfigured for coupling to said brake actuator and having inboard andoutboard members, each of said inboard and outboard members having abody having a first end affixed to the tube; and an actuator mountingflange extending from a second end of the body and defining at least onebore configured to receive a fastener extending from said brake actuatorwherein said bore of said actuator mounting flange of said inboardmember is aligned with said bore of said actuator mounting flange ofsaid outboard member.
 10. The brake and bracket assembly of claim 9wherein a distance between said bodies of said inboard and outboardmembers continuously decreases moving from said first ends of saidbodies to said second ends of said bodies.
 11. The brake and bracketassembly of claim 9 wherein an inboard side of said body of said inboardmember is disposed in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinalaxis of the tube and an inboard side of said body of said outboardmember is disposed in a plane that forms an acute angle with the axis.12. The brake and bracket assembly of claim 9 wherein the inboard andoutboard members are not welded to one another.
 13. The brake andbracket assembly of claim 9 wherein said first end of said body of saidinboard member is welded to an entire circumference of said tube andsaid first end of said body of said outboard member is welded to only aportion of said circumference of said tube.
 14. The brake and bracketassembly of claim 9 wherein said inboard member has a stiffening flangeextending in an outboard direction and said outboard member has astiffening flange extending in an inboard direction.
 15. The brake andbracket assembly of claim 14 wherein portions of said stiffening flangesof said inboard member and said outboard member are disposed in a commonplane extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube. 16.The brake and bracket assembly of claim 9 wherein said actuator mountingflange of said inboard member is nearer to said tube than said actuatormounting flange of said outboard member.
 17. A method for forming abracket assembly for mounting a brake assembly and a brake actuator,comprising the steps of: inserting a tube configured to receive acamshaft of the brake assembly through an aperture in a brake spidermounting flange, said brake spider mounting flange configured to receivea brake spider of the brake assembly; fixing an inboard member of anactuator mounting arm configured for coupling to said brake actuator tosaid tube proximate a first end of said tube, the inboard member havinga body having a first end configured for attachment to said tube and anactuator mounting flange extending from a second end of said body, saidactuator mounting flange defining at least one bore configured toreceive a fastener extending from said brake actuator; and, fixing anoutboard member of said actuator mounting arm to said tube proximatesaid first end of said tube, said outboard member having a body having afirst end configured for attachment to said tube and an actuatormounting flange extending from a second end of said body of saidoutboard member, said actuator mounting flange of said outboard memberdefining at least one bore configured to receive said fastener andaligned with said at least one bore of said actuator mounting flange ofsaid inboard member following fixing of said inboard and outboardmembers to said tube.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising thestep of fixing said brake spider mounting flange to said tube proximatea second end of said tube.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein saidfixing of said inboard member includes welding said first end of saidbody of said inboard member to an entire circumference of said tube. 20.The method of claim 17 wherein said fixing of said outboard memberincludes aligning said outboard member relative to said inboard member,after said inboard member is fixed to said tube, such that said bores ofsaid actuator mounting flanges of said inboard and outboard members arealigned.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein said fixing of said outboardmember further includes welding said first end of said body of saidoutboard member to only a portion of a circumference of said tube. 22.The method of claim 17 wherein a distance between said bodies of saidinboard and outboard members continuously decreases moving from saidfirst ends of said bodies to said second ends of said bodies afterfixing said inboard and outboard members to said tubes.
 23. The methodof claim 17 wherein an inboard side of said body of said inboard memberis disposed in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe tube and an inboard side of said body of said outboard member isdisposed in a plane that forms an acute angle with the axis after fixingsaid inboard and outboard members to said tube.
 24. The method of claim17 wherein the inboard and outboard members are not welded to oneanother.